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7 days ultimatum: Families of abducted train passengers protest, ask FG not to allow their loved ones die in

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 **Demand immediate release of children of the abductors to appease them

The families of the abducted victims of the Ak9 train passengers on 28th March, 2022 have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to kindly consider and answer to the demands of the abductors of their family members and save Fellow Nigerians.

They also called on the service chiefs, the head of security agencies, national and international human rights organizations, to rescue their families.
This was coming against the backdrop that the abductors of the victims who are their family members have threatened by issuing an ultimatum of seven days within which their loved ones would be slaughtered if Government fails to meet their own demands.
Addressing a press conference in at the NUJ Press Center in Abuja on Wednesday, Matilda Kabiru Muhammed whose husband is one of the abductees also challenged all the presidential aspirants letting them know that it is not a time for them to be selfish with their ideas and plans. “Share them, make your campaign promises a campaign reality.”
“Permit me to say, there is nothing good about this Afternoon. Yesterday, we received a most heart breaking ultimatum from the abductors of the Ak9 train passengers that departed from Abuja on 28th March, 2022 at 6:10pm heading to Kaduna but never got to its destination. 

“The shocker is one which prompted this Afternoon address, the past 58 days have been those of unprecedented agony. 
Although hopefull of seeing our loved ones again, Yesterday took the winds out of our sails. 
“Whatever hope we have been holding onto, seems to be slipping through our fingers. We are a family. Nigeria is one big family, Africa is one big family, the entire world is a harmonious family having descended from The first Man and woman, Adam & Eve. 
“We owe ourselves a brotherhood and we deserve a sisterhood.
We might not share the same name, religion, tribe, nation, language or skin colour but we share the exact composition that makes us all same, that is our humanity, no human is made different from the other. 

“From conception to death, we all thread the same evolution. This 
message today is to appeal to our humanity towards other humans.

Matilda Kabiru Muhammed who broke down in tears while addressing newsmen said,
“Yesterday, we found out through the media of an ultimatum by the abductors of our loved ones to release their own children who were held captive and separated from their mothers. These are toddlers from the report that we heard are Kids between 1 to 11yrs. 
“The scariest part of this ultimatum is the threat to life.What world is this? What manner of betrayal is this? Where is the humanity in this? 
“The whole world seems to have moved on but for us, we still live in 28th of March. The days might have gone by but we haven’t. And the world shouldn’t. 
“This fight goes beyond the 60 plus people in captivity, it is an accountability, owed to us by the people meant to lead and govern us. 
“It is breaking a promise made to serve and protect not just them, but us all, every society is as good as the history it sets for future generations to look at. 
“The children in captivity have had a major life shift whether we will admit it or not. Both the abductors and the abductees. 
“These are our future tomorrow, and i ask you now “what do you think the future holds for them? 
“7 days until we are not able to say we have a system that works for the common man. 7 days, should we expect a funeral or a liberation?
“7 days, for parent to either hug or mourn their children? 7 days for some wives to adorn themselves the title of widows and husbands to become widowers. 7 days, until children are called orphans. 7 days, until insurgency and banditry wins.
7 days, that is just like today.
She said all the abductees are alao the family of President Buhari 
“There can be no negotiation without dialogue. Do not close the chapter on our story, it will forever change the course of history. Release their  children let us have our family, and your family back. Do not turn a blind eye on our plight. 
The aggrieved families of the abducted passengers carried placards with various inscription demanding for urgent action before it is too late.
They said they don’t want to bury their loved ones but to reunite with them again.

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Obidient Movement tackles APC for threatening Peter Obi, demands accountability

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Peter Obi

The Obidient Movement has strongly condemned the recent remarks by Mr. Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, describing his comments as reckless and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking on Arise TV on January 5, 2025, Mr. Morka asserted that “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and he has what’s coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it.” This statement, the movement insists, constitutes a veiled threat to Mr. Obi’s life and safety, as well as an assault on the fundamental principles of democracy.
The coordinator of the Obidient Movement Dr. Yunusa Tanko in a statement on Monday raised critical questions about the legitimacy of such remarks asking rhetorically what line Mr. Obi crossed, and who set these boundaries? What specific actions or statements justify such ominous threats? What exactly is ‘coming to him,’ as implied by the APC spokesman?
Such language, the group contended, reflects authoritarian tendencies and undermines the rule of law, which guarantees freedom of speech and protection from harm.
Explaining further, the statement indicated that Mr. Peter Obi’s commitment to issue-based politics, constructive criticism, and solutions-driven proposals has been a hallmark of his leadership.
“His New Year address, which evaluated Nigeria’s current challenges while offering actionable solutions, was devoid of hate or incitement.
“The APC’s attack on Mr. Obi shows a disturbing trend of silencing opposition voices rather than engaging in meaningful debate,” the statement noted.
The Obidient Movement issued a stern warning to the ruling APC and its agents, declaring that they will be held directly responsible should any harm come to Mr. Obi, his family, or supporters.
“This administration must know that democracy cannot thrive under threats and intimidation,” the statement emphasized.
The Obidient Movement therefore semanded an immediate retraction and apology from Mr. Felix Morka and the APC leadership.
The Movement demanded an investigation by security agencies into the intent and implications of Mr. Morka’s remarks.
It also demanded a commitment by the government to protect democratic values and promote constructive engagement over divisive rhetoric.
The monement vowed that it can not be intimidated, stressing that Nigerians must resist the slide into dictatorship by demanding accountability and justice.
“We urge Nigerians to stand united and protect the gains of democracy. We also call on the international community to take note of this emerging pattern of repression and help safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”
Finally, the Obidient Movement called on the APC to discipline its spokespersons and adopt a more mature approach to political discourse, focusing on solutions rather than threats.

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Incessant Military Strikes on Defenceless Nigerians Unacceptable

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An activist and public affairs commentator, Malam Salihu Othman Isah, has condemned what he described as the incessant air strikes and other forms of military attacks on defenceless civilians in some parts of the country.

Isah, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said in an interview that it is unprofessional for the Nigerian military to continue unleashing its weapons on people they are trained and paid to protect.

He also criticized the approach being deployed by the authorities—both the government and the Nigerian Armed Forces—to stop the killings, which have become a recurring situation in the country.

He disclosed that it is common knowledge that hapless and harmless Nigerians, going about their normal duties to seek their livelihoods, are sent to their early graves through avoidable military attacks.

According to him, some of these attacks and killings—both by the ground army and the Air Force—cannot be justified, as they are extrajudicial in nature.

“The army of any nation is established primarily to defend the territorial integrity of its people and not to eliminate them.

“The army is supposed to complement other arms of the security apparatus of a nation. It is meant to protect its citizens and not mow them down,” he reiterated.

It will be recalled that a few days ago, a fighter jet said to be carrying out an attack on Lakurawa bandits in Sokoto killed over ten innocent civilians during the operation.

An Air Force fighter jet, on a mission to dislodge the bandits, was reported to have terminated the lives of innocent villagers going about their legitimate businesses.

But in their usual manner, the Federal Government as well as the army authorities have set up commissions of inquiry primarily to ascertain the remote cause of the incident.

Isah expressed disappointment over the trend, saying, “We often travel this same lane anytime there is an occurrence.

“Why would the Chief of Army Staff constitute an inquiry to investigate the remote cause of the attack on defenceless Nigerians instead of acting decisively to tackle the failure of its men and officers?

“Instead, energies should also be directed at solution-seeking, beginning with holding errant officers responsible for such killings accountable.”

He lamented that investigations and inquiries have become too monotonous and counterproductive, surmising that real action is required.

The civil rights activist advocated that the armed forces must follow laid-down rules of engagement, which is a global practice required for any army operation to be successful, especially when carried out in civilian-populated areas.

Isah pointed out that, “Beyond the rules of engagement, every individual army officer must have service rules to guide their operations. And while these are available but flouted, there must be consequences.

“It is not enough to set up inquiries whose reports are kept secret and with no reprimand of violators.”

He further stressed that the trend has always been to condemn military actions against civilians, adding that such condemnations have come in torrents.

Nigerians in both high and low places have been unanimous in their criticisms after the recent attack.

“It’s sad that after this, we usually move on, awaiting the next incident and speculating where and how it will occur. Don’t expect any severe action against any of the officers responsible for this action. And next time, another attack will occur, the real targets will be missed, innocent souls will be terminated, and the vicious circle will continue with no end in sight. For how long will this be?” he noted.

The political scientist also stated that a nation with no disciplined army and no regard for its citizens is bound to fail. This is simply unacceptable.

“Henceforth, those found wanting should be called out, and punishment must be meted out to serve as a deterrent in the future.”

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Bayelsa Groom Flees Engagement Ceremony Over Endless Cash Demands in Imo

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***Elders’ N850,000 Refund Request Sparks Drama

What was meant to be a joyous union turned into high drama in Imo State when a Bayelsa man, Biobelemoye David, fled his engagement ceremony after being subjected to a series of outrageous financial demands by his bride’s family.
The ceremony, which began on a celebratory note, took a dramatic turn as David faced mounting charges, including a N1.5 million bill for food, tents, chairs, and a public address system, in addition to a N100,000 bride price that both families had initially agreed upon.
However, tensions escalated when David was asked to pay an extra N50,000 fine for impregnating his fiancée before the ceremony. The fines didn’t stop there—he was slapped with another N10,000 penalty for mistakenly taking a wrong route to the bride’s homestead and a N15,000 charge to appease elders who had grown impatient with his late arrival.
The breaking point came when David was subjected to a bizarre test. Twelve veiled women were paraded before him, and he was asked to identify his fiancée. When he guessed incorrectly, he was fined N15,000 yet again.
But the final straw was the elders’ demand for an N850,000 refund—allegedly covering the bride’s school fees and upkeep since childhood. Unable to contain his frustration, David excused himself under the guise of using the toilet.
Eyewitnesses later confirmed that David switched off his phone and was spotted boarding a bus back to Bayelsa, leaving the ceremony in chaos and disbelief.

The incident has since sparked widespread debate on social media, with many condemning the excessive demands and calling for an end to exploitative marriage practices.

Meanwhile, efforts to reach David for comments have been unsuccessful as his whereabouts remain unknown.

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